Reel finger illumination

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for emitting light from a header reel are disclosed. More particularly, systems, methods, and apparatuses for emitting light from one or more apertures formed in a reel finger are disclosed. The reel fingers included on a reel may include a cavity through which light is transmitted. The emitted light provides for illumination and operator visualization during, for example, agricultural operations performed at night or during low ambient light conditions.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to agricultural illumination.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Agricultural operations, such as harvesting, spraying, and planting, canbe accomplish during daylight hours as well as during the night.Nighttime agricultural operations generally proceed with artificialillumination. The illumination, such as illumination produced onboard ofan agricultural machine, such as a combine harvester, tractor, orimplement, provides illumination that permits an operator to see thearea where the agricultural operation is being performed. For example,in some instances, the generated illumination is directed to an areaadjacent to the agricultural machine, which allows the operator to seethe illuminated environment to provide situational awareness.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an illuminationsystem. The illumination system may include a light source that produceslight and a header reel. The header reel may include a reel finger. Thereel finger may include an aperture through which the produced light isemitted.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is directed to method ofproviding illumination from a header reel. The method may includegenerating light with a light source and emitting the generated lightfrom an aperture formed in a reel finger of a header reel.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a reel fingerfor a header reel. The reel finger may include an elongated portiondefining a cavity; a mount portion formed at the end of the elongatedportion; a cavity formed in the elongated portion; and one of an opticalcomponent and a light source disposed at least partially in the cavity.The mount portion may be configured to couple the reel finger to aportion of a header reel.

The various aspects may include one or more of the following features.The reel finger may define a cavity therethrough. The light source maybe disposed within the cavity. The produced light may be transmittedthrough the cavity. The reel finger may include a light pipe extendingthrough the cavity to transmit the produced light to the aperture. Thereel finger may include a plurality of reel fingers and wherein thelight source comprises a plurality of light sources. One of theplurality of light sources may be disposed within each of the pluralityof reel fingers. The produced light by the light sources may be producedin one of a pattern, a selected color, or frequency based on a receivedinput. The received input may include a detected error, and the lightsource may produce a color corresponding to the detected error when thedetected error is received. The header reel may include a bat tube, andthe reel finger may include a plurality of reel fingers coupled to thebat tube. The light source may transmit light into the bat tube, and thetransmitted light may be distributed to each of the reel fingers and outof the aperture of each of the reel fingers. The light source may bedisposed in the bat tube. A header may include a frame, the header reel,and a reel arm that couples the header reel to the frame. The headerreel may be rotatable relative to the arm, and the light source may bedisposed in the bat tube transmitted to the reel finger via the battube. The light may be transmitted to the reel finger via an opticalcomponent disposed in the reel arm. The optical component may be one ofan optical fiber and a light pipe.

The various aspects may include one or more of the following features.The light source may be located remote from the reel finger. Thegenerated light may be transmitted across a connection in which a firstcomponent rotates relative to a second component. The generated lightmay be transmitted through an optical component formed in a cavitydefined by the reel finger.

Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of thedetailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description of the drawings refers to the accompanyingfigures in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a combine harvester and a draper headerattached at the feederhouse of the combine harvester, according to someimplementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an example draper header 200, according to someimplementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 a cross-sectional view of an example reel finger, according tosome implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a detail view of a mount portion of an example reel finger,according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another example reel finger,according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another example reel finger havingan optical component disposed in a cavity, according to someimplementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a detail, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a battube and a reel finger attached thereto, according to someimplementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a detail, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of anotherbat tube and a reel finger coupled thereto, according to someimplementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a detail, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of anotherbat tube and a reel finger coupled thereto, according to someimplementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another example reel finger,according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a detail view of a portion of an example reel, according tosome implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a detail view of a portion of another example reel, accordingto some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an example method for emitting light from reelfingers of a draper header reel, according to some implementations ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example computer system usedto provide computational functionalities associated with describedalgorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures asdescribed in the present disclosure, according to some implementationsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a detail view of a generator coupled to a center tube of areel to generate electrical power using a rotating movement of the reel,according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another example reel finger thatdefines a cavity extending along an elongated portion thereof, accordingto some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a detail view of a portion of an example reel, according tosome implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a detailed portion of anexample bat tube, according to some implementations of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 19 is a side view an example draper header attached to a combineharvester, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of an example control system forselectively starting and stopping release of illumination from differentparts of a reel, according to some implementations of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 21 is an example method for selectively providing illumination froma header reel, according to some implementations of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementationsillustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and furthermodifications to the described devices, systems, or methods and anyfurther application of the principles of the present disclosure arefully contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art towhich the disclosure relates. In particular, it is fully contemplatedthat the features, components, and/or steps described with respect toone implementation may be combined with the features, components, and/orsteps described with respect to other implementations of the presentdisclosure.

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for providingtargeted illumination during an agricultural operation. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure is directed to providing targetedillumination that is emitted from reel fingers. Illumination emittedfrom reel fingers allows an operator, such as an operator of anagricultural machine, such as a combine harvester, to see areas belowand beyond the reel during nighttime operations. For example,illumination emitted from reel fingers is used to illuminate a portionof a header, such as a cutterbar of a head or an endless belt or an areaadjacent to these portions. Further, in some instances, an area adjacentto these or other portions of the header are illuminated. The producedillumination allows the operator to see an area of the draper head thatwould otherwise be obscured. More particularly, traditional illuminationproduced during nighttime agricultural operations is produced by one ormore light sources that is remote from the cutterbar, and a portion ofthe draper head or crops forms shadows that obstruct the produced lightand limit what an operator is able to see as a result. Examples in thecontext of a draper header are provided. However, other types of headershaving a header reel are within the scope of the present disclosure.Consequently, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited todraper headers but, rather, encompasses any type of header that includesa header reel, such as corn headers that include a reel.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a combine harvester 100 and a draper header 102attached at the feederhouse 104 of the combine harvester 100. The draperheader 102 includes a reel 106 that includes a plurality of reel fingers108 that engage crop as the crop comes into contact with the draperheader 102. FIG. 2 is a top view of an example draper header 200 thatmay be similar to the draper header 102. The draper header 200 includesa frame 202; a cutterbar 204 that extends laterally along the frame 202;an attachment portion 206 that couples the header 200 to a feederhouse208 of an agricultural vehicle, such as a combine harvester; and a reel209 that is pivotably coupled to the frame 202 via reel arms 210. Thereel arms 210 are pivotably coupled to the frame at proximal ends 212and are pivotable about an axis 214. The reel 208 is coupled to distalends 216 of the reel arms 210 and is rotatable thereon about an axis218.

The draper header 200 also includes a first endless belt 220 thattransports severed crop material inwardly in a first direction 222towards a center endless belt 224, and a second endless belt 226 thatalso transports severed crop material inwardly in a second direction 229towards the center endless belt 224. The center endless belt 224collects the severed crop material from the first and second endlessbelts 220 and 224 and transports the severed crop material aft to thefeederhouse 208. Although the illustrated draper header 200 does notinclude pivotable wings or a reel having multiple sections, the scope ofthe present disclosure encompasses draper headers having wings andsegmented reels as well as other types of draper headers.

The reel 208 includes a center tube 226, a shaft 227 extending from thecenter tube 228 that is coupled to the reel arms 210, reel ends 301, aplurality of bat tubes 230 that extend between the reel ends 301, andsupport arms 232 extending from the center tube 226 to the bat tubes230. The reel 209 also includes a plurality of reel fingers 234 thatextend in a cantilevered fashion from the bat tubes 230. Light isemitted from the reel fingers 234 to provide illumination of portions ofthe draper header 200 and, in some instances, an area adjacent to thedraper header 200 during nighttime agricultural operations or at othertimes during low ambient light levels. In some implementations, light isemitted from all of the reel fingers 234. In other implementations,light is emitted from fewer than all of the light fingers.

In some implementations, the reel fingers 234 are coupled to the battubes 230 such that the reel fingers 234 and the associated bat tube 234maintains a fixed orientation. As the reel 208 is rotated, the bat tubes234 rotate relative thereto so that the reel fingers 234 maintain adownward pointing orientation. That is, as the reel 208 is rotated, thebat tubes 230 rotate relative thereto such that distal ends of the reelfingers 234 are directed downwards towards the cutterbar 204 of thedraper header 200.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an example reel finger 300, that maybe similar to reel fingers 234. The reel finger 300 includes anelongated portion 301, an aperture 302 formed at a distal end 304 of theelongated portion 301, a mount portion 306 formed at a proximal end 308of the elongated portion 301, and a cavity 310 that extends through theelongated portion 301 from the aperture 302 to an opening 311 formedadjacent to the mount portion 306. Thus, in the illustrated example, theopening 312, the aperture 302, and the cavity 310 that extends from theproximal end 310 to the distal end 304 of the reel finger 300. In otherimplementations, the aperture 302 can be provided at other locationsalong the reel finger 300. Moreover, in some instances, a plurality ofapertures are formed in the reel finger 300 from which light isreleased.

The mount portion 306 functions to couple the reel finger 300 to a battube of a reel, such as bat tube 230 shown in FIG. 2 . In theillustrated example, the mount portion 306 defines a circular opening312. However, in other implementations, the mount portion 306 includesother geometries or openings having different shapes. For example, insome implementations, mount 406 of reel finger 400 defines an arcuate orcircular shape that is not fully closed, as shown in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 5 shows another example reel finger 500 having an elongated portion501 with a curved shape. The reel finger 500 also includes an aperture502, a mount 506, and a cavity 510 extending through the elongatedportion 501. Thus, the present disclosure encompasses reel fingershaving a straight shape, a curved shape, or another type of shape.

In some implementations, an optical component is disposed in the cavityformed in the reel finger. The optical component transmits lightgenerated by a light source through the reel finger to the aperture fromwhich the generated light is emitted. In some instances, the opticalcomponent is a light pipe 614 that extends along an entirety of thecavity 610 of reel finger 600, from opening 612 to aperture 602, asshown, for example, in FIG. 6 . In some implementations, the light pipe614 extends less than an entirety of length L of the cavity 610. In someimplementations, a size, e.g., diameter of the light pipe 614 is lessthan a size, e.g., diameter, of the cavity 610. In some implementations,an outer surface of the 616 of the light pipe 614 contacts an innersurface 618 of the cavity 610. In the illustrated example, light isreceived by the light pipe 614 at the opening 612 and is transmittedalong the light pipe 614 to the aperture 602, where the light is emittedto provide illumination. In some instances, generated light istransmitted through an optical component, such as a light pipe,extending through a bat tube to which the reel finger is attached.

A benefit provided by the reel finger 600 is that, should the reelfinger 600 become damaged, such as by being cut or severed by acutterbar of an associated draper header, illumination continues to bereleased from the light pipe 614 notwithstanding the damage. Damage toreel finger 600 does not result in damage to the light source providingillumination to the light tube 614. Consequently, should one or morereel fingers 600 become damaged during the course of a harvestingoperation during the night, illumination continues to be provided,allowing the harvesting operation to continue unaffected.

Although the reel finger 600 illustrates the cavity 610 as beingenclosed, in other implementations, the cavity 610 may be open along allor a portion of a length of the cavity 160. FIG. 16 is a perspectiveview of another example reel finger 1600 that defines a cavity 1602extending along an elongated portion 1604 of the reel finger 1600. Anoptical component 1606 (e.g., a light pipe) is disposed in the cavity1602. A mount portion 1607 is formed at a proximal end 1610 end of theelongated portion 1604 and is used to attach the reel finger 1600 to abat tube of a reel of a draper header. An aperture 1612 is formed at adistal end 1614. Light transmitted through the optical component 1606 isreleased through the aperture to provide illumination. An aperture 1616is formed at the proximal end adjacent to the mount portion 1607. Insome implementations, the aperture 1616 receives a light source, such asan LED or other lighting technology. In other implementations, theaperture 1616 provides optical communication in which light from onesource, such as a light source or another optical component, istransmitted to the optical component 1606 for transmission to theaperture 1612 for illumination.

In this example, the cavity 1606 is partially enclosed such that aportion of the cavity 1602 and, hence, the optical component 1604, isexposed along a length of the elongated portion 1602 of the reel finger1600. As a result, a portion 1608 of the optical component 1606 thatfaces an aft direction, such as towards an operator cab of a vehiclecarrying the draper header, is exposed. The exposed portion 1608 of theoptical component 1606 emits light that further assist in illuminating aportion of the draper header, such as the cutterbar, an area adjacent tothe draper header, or both. In some instances, the aperture 1612 isomitted and illumination provided by the optical component 1606 isprovided from the exposed portion 1608 of the optical component 1606.

In other implementations, a portion of a cavity formed in a reel fingerthat faces a forward direction is removed, exposing a portion of anoptical component (e.g., a light pipe) extending therethrough. As aresult, a portion of the light passing through the optical component isreleased in a forward direction. This portion of light projects forwardof the draper header, marking a presence of the draper header and,hence, the agricultural vehicle in a dark field. Thus, in suchinstances, the reel fingers further represent a safety feature,particularly for others remote from the draper header, such aspedestrians or operators of other vehicles.

FIG. 7 is a detail view of a portion of a bat tube 700 and a reel finger702 attached thereto. An optical component 704 extends through the battube 700 and distributes light to the optical component 706 extendingthrough a cavity 708 formed in the reel finger 702. Light 709transmitted to the optical component 704 is released from an aperture710 formed in the distal end 712 of the reel finger 702 to provideillumination. Light 709 continues along the optical component 704 fordistribution at other reel fingers connected to bat tube 700. In someimplementations, one or both of the optical components 704 and 706 arelight pipes. Rigid or flexible light pipes can be used. In someimplementations, one or both of the optical components are light pipesin the form of optical fibers. Still further, other types of opticalcomponents for transmitting light can be used. In some implementations,light is transmitted from the optical component 704 to the opticalcomponent 706 via an opening 716 formed in a wall 718 of the bat tube700.

FIG. 8 is a detail, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a battube 800 and a reel finger 802 coupled thereto. The reel finger 802defines a cavity 804 in which an optical component 806 is disposed. Insome instances, the optical component 806 is a light pipe, an opticalfiber, or other type of material that transmits light along the cavity804. Light is transmitted along the bat tube 800 via optical fibers 808extending through a cavity 809 formed in the bat tube 800. The lightpassing through the optical fibers 808 is transmitted to the opticalcomponent 806 through an opening 810 formed in the bat tube 800. In theillustrated example, an end 812 of the optical fiber 808 is locatedadjacent to an end 814 of the optical component 806, and light istransmitted from the end 812 of the optical fiber 808 to the end 814 ofthe optical component 806. Light is emitted from an aperture 816 formedin the reel finger 802. Further, with this type of construction, reelfinger 802 is able to be quickly replaced in case of damage, forexample.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 8 , a single optical fiber 808 isused to transmit light to each of the reel fingers 802 coupled to thebat tube 800. In other implementations, two or more optical fibers areused to transmit light to the reel finger 802. In still otherimplementations, a single optical fiber is used to transmit light toeach of the reel fingers coupled to a bat tube.

In some implementations, an optical component may include or have a lensformed therein in order to provide a desired amount of lightdistribution when the produced light is emitted from the reel fingers.Further, where a light source is provided in a reel finger, the lightsource may have or include a lens for focusing the light to a desiredamount.

FIG. 9 is a detail view showing a portion of another example bat tube900 and reel finger 902 attached to the bat tube 900. An opticalcomponent 904 extends through a cavity 906 formed in the reel finger902. The bat tube 900 includes a light source 908 disposed in a cavity910 formed through the bat tube 900. The light source 908 is disposed atan opening 912 formed in the bat tube 900 adjacent a location where thereel finger 902 is attached to the bat tube 900. The light source 908can be any of a number of different lighting technologies. Examplelighting technologies include a light emitting diode (LED), incandescentbulb, compact fluorescent light bulb (CRL), and halogen bulb. Othertypes of light generating technologies may also be used and are withinthe scope of the present disclosure. In this example, the light source908 is an LED, and power is provided to the LED via an electricalconnection 914 that extends through the cavity 910 and electricallycoupled to the LED. In some implementations, the electrical connection914 is one or more electrical wires coupled to the light source 908. Thelight source 908 and, in this example, LED, is located adjacent an end916 of the optical component 904. Electrical power is provided to thelight source 902 to produce light. The light is transmitted to theoptical component 904, through the optical component 904, and out of thereel finger 902 via an aperture 918 formed in the reel finger 902.

In some implementations, the light source 908 is capable of generatingdifferent colors of light. For example, where the light source 908 is anLED, the LED can be a multicolor LED capable of generating differentcolors of light. In some instances, the light source 908 includes logicthat may be implemented in the form of electronics 920 that are onboardof the light source 908 or located remote from the light source 908. Forexample, in some instances, the electronics may be coupled to orotherwise located with the light source 908; located at another locationon the draper header; elsewhere on a vehicle transporting the draperheader, e.g., a combine harvester; or offboard of the draper header andvehicle carrying the draper header. In some implementations, the LED isa 5050 surface mounted diode (SMD) LED. However, other types of LEDs canbe used and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 show electronics 920 included with the light source 908. A signaltransmitted to the electronics 920, such as through electricalconnection 914, causes the light source 908 to generate a color of lightcorresponding to the received signal. For example, in someimplementations, a first signal indicates that normal operation, such asnormal operation of a combine harvester or draper header, is occurring.In such a case, the first signal causes the light source 908 to producelight having a first color, such as a white color.

Light emitted from the reel fingers is generally directed towards thecutterbar of the draper head or an area adjacent to the draper headerthat provides an operator with situational awareness of the illuminatedarea. This light provides illumination that otherwise is not availablewhen a light source is provided aft of the draper header. In suchinstances, light generated by light sources aft of the draper header isobstructed, such as by a portion of the draper header, a vehicletransporting the draper header, or crops. As a result of theobstruction, shadows result, obstructing the view of portions of thedraper header, particularly the cutterbar and adjacent areas. With lightemitted from the reel fingers, the operator is able to see, duringnighttime operations, a condition of the cutterbar, another portion ofthe draper header, an area adjacent to the draper header, or acombination of these, for example.

When an event occurs, such as when an error is detected, a second signalis transmitted to the electronics that causes the LED to generate asecond light color, such as red. The produced light is emitted from thereel fingers. An operator in a cab of a combine, for example, would seethe color change and be able to recognize that an event has occurredbased on the color of light being produced and, in some instances,recognize the nature of the event based on the color of light produced.In some implementations, multiple events are contemplated, and adifferent light color, pattern of light, or light scheme (e.g., flashinglights) is associated with each event. Consequently, the operator isable to detect an event and the type of event based on, for example, thecolor of produced light emitted from the reel fingers without having todirect the operator's attention to another location, such as to acontrol panel within the cab. Thus, the operator's attention ismaintained outside of the cab and into the field, providing the operatorwith improved situational awareness.

In some implementations, the electronics 920 is or forms part of acomputer system, such as the computer system 1400 described in moredetail below. Further, the electrical connection 914 includes one ormore electrical wires used to transmits electrical power, one or moreelectrical signals, or both to the electronics 920, light source 908, orboth, such as when the electronics are located remote from the lightsource 908.

In still other implementations, a light source, such as an LED, isdisposed within the reel finger, such as at the distal end of the reelfinger. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another example reel finger1000. The reel finger 1000 includes an elongated portion 1002 and amount portion 1004 formed at a proximal end 1005 of the elongatedportion 1002. The elongated portion 1002 includes a plurality of webs1006 disposed across in an opened portion 1008. The webs 1006 extendbetween flanges 1010 and 1012. A cavity 1014 extends through the flange1012, and a light source 1016 is disposed in the cavity 1014. In theillustrated example, the light source 1016 is located adjacent to anaperture 1018 formed at a distal end 1020 of the elongated portion 1002.An electrical connection 1022 couples the light source to a power sourcefor providing electrical power to the light source 1016. Light producedby the light source 1016 is emitted from the reel finger 1000 via anaperture 1024 formed at the distal end 1020 of the reel finger 1000.

As explained earlier, the light source 1016 may be a light sourcecapable of generating multiple colors of light. Also similarly, thelight source 1016 may be controlled by electronics (which may be similarto electronics 920 described earlier) provided on the reel finger 1000or remote from the reel finger 1000, such as elsewhere on a draperheader, on an agricultural vehicle coupled to the draper header, oroffboard of the agricultural vehicle. The reel finger 1000 includes anelectrical connection 1026 that mates with a corresponding connectorportion on a bat tube. As a result, the reel finger 1000 is able to bequickly connected or disconnected. Consequently, if a reel fingerrequires replacement, such as due to damage, the reel finger is quicklydisconnected, severing the electrical connection, and a new reel fingerattached to the bat tube, re-establishing the electrical connection. Inthis way, reel fingers are quickly connected or disconnected from thereel.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example implementation in which a light source isprovided in a bat tube that is used to provide illumination to aplurality of reel fingers coupled to the bat tube. Referring to FIG. 11, a reel 1100 is coupled to a shaft 1102, and the reel 1100 and shaft1102 are rotatable together. A light source 1104 provided in each of battubes 1106. Particularly, the light sources 1104 are provided incavities 1107 formed in the bat tube 1106. The light sources 1104generate light that is transmitted to all or a portion of reel fingers1108 coupled to the respective bat tubes 1106 via a common opticalcomponent (e.g., a common light pipe or optical fiber) or a plurality ofoptical components, such as a plurality of light pipes or opticalfibers. In some implementations, a light pipe formed of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is used. However, the scope of the presentdisclosure is not so limited. Rather, optical components, includinglight pipes, within the scope of the present disclosure include thoseformed of other types of material. The light generated by the lightsources is conducted through the reel fingers 1108, such as in a mannerdescribed herein or otherwise within the scope of the presentdisclosure, and emitted from an aperture 1110 formed in the reel fingers1108. In this example, a single aperture 1110 is formed in each reelfinger 1108. In other implementations, one or more of the reel fingers1108 includes a plurality of apertures from which the produced light isemitted.

Electrical power can be provided to the light sources 1104 in a varietyof ways. For example, in the illustrated example of FIG. 11 , electricalpower is provided to the light sources 1104 via a slip ring connection1112. A slip ring connection involves a first disc 1114 that has one ormore concentric rings formed on a surface of the first disc 1114. Asecond ring 1116 similarly includes one or more concentric rings formedon a surface thereof that are in contact with the counterpart one ormore concentric rings formed on the first disc 1114. The rings areformed of an electrically conductive material that conducts electricityfrom the first disc 1114 to the second disc 1116 and vice versa. Thus,as the discs 1114 and 1116 move relative to each other about a commoncentral axis 1118 of the discs 1114 and 1116, electrical connection ismaintained by contact provided between the counterpart rings formed ineach of the discs 1114 and 1116. In this example, the central axis 1118is an axis of rotation about which the reel 1100 is rotated. In thisexample, the ring 1114 is coupled to and rotates with the reel 1100 andthe ring 1116 is maintained in a non-rotating condition relative to thereel 1100. In some implementations, a slip ring is also provided at aninterface 1120 between the electrical connection 1122 and the lightsource 1104. In such instances, the bat tubes 1106 are rotating relativeto reel end 1124.

In other implementations, a reel includes a power generation device thatprovides electrical power to light sources provided onboard of the reel.For example, in some instances, the reel includes a generator, such as aDC generator, or dynamo that generates electrical power. In someinstances, the power generation device utilizes rotation of the reel togenerate the electrical power used to operate the light sources.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of an example reel 1500. Thereel 1500 includes a center tube 1502 and a generator 1504 coupled tothe center tube 1502 and rotatable therewith. The generator 1504includes a first portion 1506 having a rotatable wheel 1508 and a secondportion 1510. The first portion 1506 is rotatable relative to the secondportion 1510. The wheel 1508 engages a cylindrical portion 1512 of reel1500. In other implementations, the cylindrical portion 1512 may formpart of a mounting bracket the supports the reel 1500 on a draperheader. In this example, the center tube 1502 rotates relative to thecylindrical portion 1512. The second portion 1510 is secured to thecenter tube 1502 such that the center tube 1502 and the second portion1510 rotate together. As the center tube 1502 rotates relative to thecylindrical portion 1510, engagement between the wheel 1508 and,consequently, the first portion 1508 relative to the second portion 1510generates electricity that is used to power one or more light sourcesused to provide illumination from one or more reel fingers of the reel1500.

FIG. 12 shows another implementation in which light is generatedoffboard of the reel and transmitted to the reel for distribution to thedifferent reel fingers for subsequent release therefrom. Referring toFIG. 12 , a reel 1200 is coupled to a shaft 1202. In this example, theshaft 1202 and reel 1200 rotate together. The reel 1200 includes anoptical component 1204 disposed circumjacent to the shaft 1202. Theoptical component 1204 includes an annular portion that partially orfully encircles the shaft 1202. The optical component 1202 receiveslight from a light source form light source 1206. In someimplementations, the optical component 1204 receives produced lightdirectly from a light source, such as light source 1206 or indirectlyvia another optical component that does not rotate with the reel 1200and that is optically coupled to the optical component 1204. In someimplementations, the light source 1206 includes a plurality of lightsources that are arranged in an annular fashion to provide light to theoptical component 1204. The optical component transmits the producedlight to reel fingers 1208 provided on each bat tube 1210 of the reel1200. In the illustrated example, the optical component 1204 extendsthrough arms 1212 of the reel 1200 to the bat tubes 1210 coupledrespectively thereto. The produced light is transferred into the battubes 1210 and onto the reel fingers 1208 in a manner as describedherein or otherwise within the scope of the present disclosure. In otherimplementations, the optical component 1204 transmits the produced lightto separate optical components that extend through each of the arms1212, such as one or more light pipes or optical fibers. In someimplementations, one or more optical fibers are used to transmit theproduced light from the optical component 1204 to bat tube 1210 or toeach of the reel fingers 1208. For example, in some instances, anindividual optical fiber is used to transmit light to each individualreel finger 1208. In other implementations, a single optical fiber orsingle light pipe is used to transmit the produced light to all or aportion of the reel fingers 1208 provided on a bat tube 1210. Light isconducted through the reel fingers 1208, such as in a manner describedherein, and emitted from apertures 1216 formed in the reel fingers 1208,such as at a distal end 1218 of the reel fingers 1208. Arrows 1214illustrate a path that the produced light travels from the light source1206 to the aperture 1216.

A shroud 1220 is provided around the light source 1206, an interfacebetween the light source 1206 and the optical component 1204, or both toreduce or eliminate light release from the reel at the interface betweenthe light source 1206 and optical component 1204. Reducing oreliminating light released at this location avoids light that mayproduce glare or otherwise present a distraction to an operator.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an example method 1300 for providingillumination via a header reel. At 1302, light is generated with a lightsource. In some implementations, the light source can be provided at anynumber of locations, such as within a reel finger, within a bat tube ofa reel, or external to the reel. At 1304, the generated light is emittedfrom an aperture formed in a reel finger of a header reel.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrates another implementation in which illuminationis provided from a bat tube as opposed to one or more reel fingerscoupled to the bat tube. FIG. 17 is a detail view of a portion of anexample reel 1700. More particularly, FIG. 17 shows a detail view of anexample bat tube 1702 of the example reel 1700 in which illuminationprovided from a plurality of apertures 1704 formed in the bat tube 1702.In the illustrated example, each of the apertures is disposed betweenadjacent reel fingers 1706. In other implementations, additionalapertures emitting illumination therefrom may be provided betweenadjacent reel fingers 1706. In some instances, a distribution ofapertures between adjacent reel fingers 1706 varies. For example, anaperture between one set of adjacent reel fingers may be omitted; aplurality of apertures between another set of adjacent reel fingers isprovided; while, a single aperture is provided between another set ofadjacent reel fingers. Still further, in some implementations, a lightsource, such as an LED, is disposed in or adjacent to each aperture1704. In other implementations, light is distributed to each of theapertures via an optical component, such as a light pipe or opticalfiber. In some instance, light is provided to an aperture 1704 via aseparate optical component. In other instances, light is provided to oneor more of the apertures 1704 via a common optical component.

The apertures 1704 are oriented such that apertures 1704 are directeddownwardly towards the ground. In this configuration, as a result of anorientation of the bat tube 1702 being approximately constant as thereel rotates, illumination released from the apertures 1704 is directedtowards, for example, a cutterbar of a draper head, a portion of anendless belt of the draper header, an area adjacent to the draperheader, a combination of these, or towards another location.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a detailed portion of thebat tube 1702. In this example, a light source 1800 is disposed at eachaperture 1704. An electrical connection 1802 extends from each lightsource 1800 to a power supply, which may be of a type described hereinor that is otherwise within the scope of the present disclosure.

In still other implementations, the bat tube 1702 excludes the apertures1704, and light sources are applied directly to an exterior surface ofthe bat tube 1702. In some instances, an electrical connection extendsfully or partially along the exterior surface of the bat tube 1702 to apower source, for example. In other implementations, the electricalconnection for the light source extends through a wall of the bat tube1702 and through an interior thereof to a power source, for example.

The present disclosure also provides for selectively illumination from areel of an draper header based on a movement of the reel and, moreparticularly, how a part of the reel from which illumination is releasedchanges relative to a cab of an agricultural vehicle carrying the draperheader. FIG. 19 is a side view an example draper header 1900 attached toa combine harvester 1902. The draper header 1900 is attached to afeederhouse 1904 of the combine harvester 1902. The draper header 1900includes a reel 1906, an endless belt 1908 that transports severed cropmaterial for intake into the feederhouse 1904, and a back sheet 1910.The back sheet 1910 defines a wall that confines movement of the severedcrop material in an aft direction indicated by arrow 1912. The backsheet 1910 is provided to prevent movement of the severed crop materialthere beyond. The reel 1906 includes bat tubes 1914 that are radiallyoffset from a center tube 1916. Reel fingers 1918 are coupled to the battubes 1914 in a manner described herein, for example.

In operation, such as when the draper header 1900 is harvesting crop,the reel 1906 rotates about axis 1920 in a direction indicated by arrow1922. In order to avoid distracting glare from illumination provided bythe reel 1900, such as via one or more reel fingers 1918, the bat tubes1914, or from another portion thereof, being projected towards anoperator in a cab 1924 of the combine harvester 1902, the illuminationprovided by the reel 1900 is selectively released based on a position ofa location of a portion of the reel 1900 from which light is released asthe reel 1900 rotates about the axis 1920. Selective release of theillumination includes, for example, selectively activating anddeactivating light sources, opening and closing apertures through whichlight released, or in other ways. The present example is made in thecontext of activating and deactivating one or more light sources.However, selectively providing illumination may be accomplished in otherways.

As the reel 1900 rotates, when a portion of the reel 1900 reaches afirst location 1926, illumination from that portion of the reel 1900 isceased or otherwise deactivated. Illumination from this portion of thereel 1900 remains inactive until that portion of the reel 1900 reaches asecond location 1928, at which time illumination is reactivated orotherwise resumes from that portion of reel 1900. Consequently, in afirst region 1930 defined between lines 1932 and 1934 extending fromaxis 1920 through the first and second locations 1926 and 1928,respectively, the reel 1900 does not emit illumination. In a secondregion 1936, also defined between lines 1932 and 1934, the reel 1900does emit illumination.

Although FIG. 19 shows two regions 1930 and 1936, in otherimplementations, there may be numerous regions. For example, in someimplementations, two or more illumination regions or two or morenonillumination regions may be provided.

In some implementations, a first sensor 1938 detects a position of reelabout axis 1920. In some implementations, the sensor 1938 senses when abat tube or other part of the reel reaches the first location 1926. Thefirst sensor 1938 produces a signal that causes illumination beingreleased from the detected portion of the reel 1900 to cease. Forexample, the produced signal causes light sources associated with thedetected portion of the reel to be deactivated, thereby eliminatingillumination release from that portion of the reel 1900. A second sensor1940 senses when a portion of the reel reaches the second location 1934and generates a signal that cause illumination from that portion of thereel 1900 to resume.

In some implementations, a single sensor is uses, along with a speed ofthe reel, to selectively activate and deactivate production ofillumination by different portions of the reel. For example, sensor 1938detects a location of different portions of the reel and produces asignal that ceases illumination form those portions of the reel. Usingthe speed of rotation of the reel 1900 and knowing a desired locationwhere illumination is to be resumed, the illumination from the portionsof the reel 1900 where illumination has been ceased can be resumed basedon a time that has transpired since illumination was ceased and therotational speed of the reel 1900. In still other implementations, arotational speed of the reel 1900 along with indexing movement of thereel 1900 is used to selectively activate and deactivate illuminationfrom different parts of the reel 1900.

Still further, in some implementations, a switch is used to selectivelyactivate and deactivate release of illumination from different parts ofa reel, such as by selectively activating and deactivating lightsources. For example, a switch that activates and deactivates a lightsource such as by a change in an orientation of the switch can be used.Example switches include a tilt switch. Implementations that include oneor more switches of this type reduce complexity, such as by avoiding theuse of a control system to control selectively providing and halting theproduction of light from a reel.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of an example control system 2000 forselectively starting and stopping release of illumination from differentparts of a reel. The control system 2000 includes an electroniccontroller 2002, sensors 2004 and 2006 that detect a position of a reel,and a plurality of light sources 2008 through 2014. Although two sensors2004 and 2006 are provided in the example of FIG. 20 , in otherimplementations, fewer or additional sensor can be used. Further,although four light sources 2008 through 2014 are shown, fewer oradditional light sources may be used in other implementations. Further,in other implementations, rather than light sources, selectivelyopenable ports or apertures or other features that selectively permitlight to pass can be use. In some instances, the electronic controller2002 is or includes a computer system, such as computer system 1400,described in more detail below. The electronic controller 2002 includesa processor 2016 and a memory 2018. The memory 2018 communicates withthe processor 2016 and is used to store programs and other software,information, and data. The processor 2016 is operable to executeprograms and software and receive information from and send informationto the memory 2018. Although a single memory 2018 and a single processor2016 are illustrated, in other implementations, a plurality of memories,processors, or both may be used. Although the processor 2016 and thememory 2018 are shown as being local components of the electroniccontroller 2002, in other implementations, one or both of the processor2016 and memory 2018 may be located remotely. Software 2020, such as inthe form of an application or program, is executed by the processor 2016to control operation of the system 2000, as described in more detailbelow.

In operation, the sensor 2004 senses a portion of a reel associated withlight source 2008, for example, as the portion of the reel moves pastthe sensor 2004. In response the sensor 2004 generates a signal that istransmitted to the electronic controller 2002 via a wired or wirelessconnection. In some implementations, the signal includes an identifierthat identifies the portion of the reel to the exclusion of otherportions of the reel. In response, electronic controller 2002 transmitsa signal to a light source associated with that portion of the reel thatcauses the light source to be deactivated and, thus, stop producinglight. In this instance, the light source 2008 corresponds to theportion of the reel that has been sensed. As the reel continues to move,the sensed portion of the reel move past the second sensor 2006, causingthe sensor 2006 to generate a signal identifying the particular part ofthe reel. In response, the electronic controller 2002 receives thesignal and activates the light source 2008. The operation is similar foreach portion of the reel associated with light sources 2010 through2014.

In other implementations, the sensors 2004 and 2006 may be eliminatedand a different sensor that senses a speed of the reel may be includedto provide a rotational speed of the reel to the electronic controller2002. The electronic controller 2002 may also include or receiveindexing information that provides the electronic controller 2002 withinformation that identifies where different portions of the reel arelocated at any particular time. Using this information, the electroniccontroller 2002 can selectively activate and deactivate the differentlight sources to provide illumination at a first selected area, such asat a front a header (such as where a cutterbar is located) and ceaseillumination at another area, such as an area where the producedillumination is projected towards an operator.

FIG. 21 is an example method 2100 for selectively providing illuminationfrom a header reel. At 2102, a reel of a header is operated. At 2104, aportion of the reel providing illumination is detected at a firstposition. At 2106, the illumination being produced by the portion of thereel is stopped, such as be deactivating one or more light sources orclosing one or more apertures, when the portion of the reel is detectedat the first position. At 2108, the portion of the reel is detected at asecond partition, and, at 2110, the production of illumination form theportion of the reel is resumed when the portion of the reel is detectedat the second position. At 2112, a determination is made as to whetherthe reel is continuing to operate. If the reel is continuing to operate,the method 2100 returns to 2104. If the reel is no longer operating,then the method 2100 stops at 2114.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an example computer system 1400 used toprovide computational functionalities associated with describedalgorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and proceduresdescribed in the present disclosure, according to some implementationsof the present disclosure. The illustrated computer 1402 is intended toencompass any computing device such as a server, a desktop computer, alaptop/notebook computer, a wireless data port, a smart phone, apersonal data assistant (PDA), a tablet computing device, or one or moreprocessors within these devices, including physical instances, virtualinstances, or both. The computer 1402 can include input devices such askeypads, keyboards, and touch screens that can accept user information.Also, the computer 1402 can include output devices that can conveyinformation associated with the operation of the computer 1402. Theinformation can include digital data, visual data, audio information, ora combination of information. The information can be presented in agraphical user interface (UI) (or GUI).

The computer 1402 can serve in a role as a client, a network component,a server, a database, a persistency, or components of a computer systemfor performing the subject matter described in the present disclosure.The illustrated computer 1402 is communicably coupled with a network1430. In some implementations, one or more components of the computer1402 can be configured to operate within different environments,including cloud-computing-based environments, local environments, globalenvironments, and combinations of environments.

At a high level, the computer 1402 is an electronic computing deviceoperable to receive, transmit, process, store, and manage data andinformation associated with the described subject matter. According tosome implementations, the computer 1402 can also include, or becommunicably coupled with, an application server, an email server, a webserver, a caching server, a streaming data server, or a combination ofservers.

The computer 1402 can receive requests over network 1430 from a clientapplication (for example, executing on another computer 1402). Thecomputer 1402 can respond to the received requests by processing thereceived requests using software applications. Requests can also be sentto the computer 1402 from internal users (for example, from a commandconsole), external (or third) parties, automated applications, entities,individuals, systems, and computers.

Each of the components of the computer 1402 can communicate using asystem bus 1403. In some implementations, any or all of the componentsof the computer 1402, including hardware or software components, caninterface with each other or the interface 1404 (or a combination ofboth), over the system bus 1403. Interfaces can use an applicationprogramming interface (API) 1412, a service layer 1413, or a combinationof the API 1412 and service layer 1413. The API 1412 can includespecifications for routines, data structures, and object classes. TheAPI 1412 can be either computer-language independent or dependent. TheAPI 1412 can refer to a complete interface, a single function, or a setof APIs.

The service layer 1413 can provide software services to the computer1402 and other components (whether illustrated or not) that arecommunicably coupled to the computer 1402. The functionality of thecomputer 1402 can be accessible for all service consumers using thisservice layer. Software services, such as those provided by the servicelayer 1413, can provide reusable, defined functionalities through adefined interface. For example, the interface can be software written inJAVA, C++, or a language providing data in extensible markup language(XML) format. While illustrated as an integrated component of thecomputer 1402, in alternative implementations, the API 1412 or theservice layer 1413 can be stand-alone components in relation to othercomponents of the computer 1402 and other components communicablycoupled to the computer 1402. Moreover, any or all parts of the API 1412or the service layer 1413 can be implemented as child or sub-modules ofanother software module, enterprise application, or hardware modulewithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The computer 1402 includes an interface 1404. Although illustrated as asingle interface 1404 in FIG. 14 , two or more interfaces 1404 can beused according to particular needs, desires, or particularimplementations of the computer 1402 and the described functionality.The interface 1404 can be used by the computer 1402 for communicatingwith other systems that are connected to the network 1430 (whetherillustrated or not) in a distributed environment. Generally, theinterface 1404 can include, or be implemented using, logic encoded insoftware or hardware (or a combination of software and hardware)operable to communicate with the network 1430. More specifically, theinterface 1404 can include software supporting one or more communicationprotocols associated with communications. As such, the network 1430 orthe interface's hardware can be operable to communicate physical signalswithin and outside of the illustrated computer 1402.

The computer 1402 includes a processor 1405. Although illustrated as asingle processor 1405 in FIG. 14 , two or more processors 1405 can beused according to particular needs, desires, or particularimplementations of the computer 1402 and the described functionality.Generally, the processor 1405 can execute instructions and canmanipulate data to perform the operations of the computer 1402,including operations using algorithms, methods, functions, processes,flows, and procedures as described in the present disclosure.

The computer 1402 also includes a database 1406 that can hold data forthe computer 1402 and other components connected to the network 1430(whether illustrated or not). For example, database 1406 can be anin-memory, conventional, or a database storing data consistent with thepresent disclosure. In some implementations, database 1406 can be acombination of two or more different database types (for example, hybridin-memory and conventional databases) according to particular needs,desires, or particular implementations of the computer 1402 and thedescribed functionality. Although illustrated as a single database 1406in FIG. 14 , two or more databases (of the same, different, orcombination of types) can be used according to particular needs,desires, or particular implementations of the computer 1402 and thedescribed functionality. While database 1406 is illustrated as aninternal component of the computer 1402, in alternative implementations,database 1406 can be external to the computer 1402.

The computer 1402 also includes a memory 1407 that can hold data for thecomputer 1402 or a combination of components connected to the network1430 (whether illustrated or not). Memory 1407 can store any dataconsistent with the present disclosure. In some implementations, memory1407 can be a combination of two or more different types of memory (forexample, a combination of semiconductor and magnetic storage) accordingto particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of thecomputer 1402 and the described functionality. Although illustrated as asingle memory 1407 in FIG. 14 , two or more memories 1407 (of the same,different, or combination of types) can be used according to particularneeds, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 1402 andthe described functionality. While memory 1407 is illustrated as aninternal component of the computer 1402, in alternative implementations,memory 1407 can be external to the computer 1402.

The application 1408 can be an algorithmic software engine providingfunctionality according to particular needs, desires, or particularimplementations of the computer 1402 and the described functionality.For example, application 1408 can serve as one or more components,modules, or applications. Further, although illustrated as a singleapplication 1408, the application 1408 can be implemented as multipleapplications 1408 on the computer 1402. In addition, althoughillustrated as internal to the computer 1402, in alternativeimplementations, the application 1408 can be external to the computer1402.

The computer 1402 can also include a power supply 1414. The power supply1414 can include a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery that can beconfigured to be either user- or non-user-replaceable. In someimplementations, the power supply 1414 can include power-conversion andmanagement circuits, including recharging, standby, and power managementfunctionalities. In some implementations, the power-supply 1414 caninclude a power plug to allow the computer 1402 to be plugged into awall socket or a power source to, for example, power the computer 1402or recharge a rechargeable battery.

There can be any number of computers 1402 associated with, or externalto, a computer system containing computer 1402, with each computer 1402communicating over network 1430. Further, the terms “client,” “user,”and other appropriate terminology can be used interchangeably, asappropriate, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Moreover, the present disclosure contemplates that many users can useone computer 1402 and one user can use multiple computers 1402.

Implementations of the subject matter and the functional operationsdescribed in this specification can be implemented in digital electroniccircuitry, in tangibly embodied computer software or firmware, incomputer hardware, including the structures disclosed in thisspecification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations ofone or more of them. Software implementations of the described subjectmatter can be implemented as one or more computer programs. Eachcomputer program can include one or more modules of computer programinstructions encoded on a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readablecomputer-storage medium for execution by, or to control the operationof, data processing apparatus. Alternatively, or additionally, theprogram instructions can be encoded in/on an artificially generatedpropagated signal. The example, the signal can be a machine-generatedelectrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal that is generated toencode information for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus forexecution by a data processing apparatus. The computer-storage mediumcan be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storagesubstrate, a random or serial access memory device, or a combination ofcomputer-storage mediums.

The terms “data processing apparatus,” “computer,” and “electroniccomputer device” (or equivalent as understood by one of ordinary skillin the art) refer to data processing hardware. For example, a dataprocessing apparatus can encompass all kinds of apparatus, devices, andmachines for processing data, including by way of example, aprogrammable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers.The apparatus can also include special purpose logic circuitryincluding, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), or an application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC). In some implementations, the data processing apparatusor special purpose logic circuitry (or a combination of the dataprocessing apparatus or special purpose logic circuitry) can behardware- or software-based (or a combination of both hardware- andsoftware-based). The apparatus can optionally include code that createsan execution environment for computer programs, for example, code thatconstitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database managementsystem, an operating system, or a combination of execution environments.The present disclosure contemplates the use of data processingapparatuses with or without conventional operating systems, for example,LINUX, UNIX, WINDOWS, MAC OS, ANDROID, or IOS.

A computer program, which can also be referred to or described as aprogram, software, a software application, a module, a software module,a script, or code, can be written in any form of programming language.Programming languages can include, for example, compiled languages,interpreted languages, declarative languages, or procedural languages.Programs can be deployed in any form, including as stand-alone programs,modules, components, subroutines, or units for use in a computingenvironment. A computer program can, but need not, correspond to a filein a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file thatholds other programs or data, for example, one or more scripts stored ina markup language document, in a single file dedicated to the program inquestion, or in multiple coordinated files storing one or more modules,sub-programs, or portions of code. A computer program can be deployedfor execution on one computer or on multiple computers that are located,for example, at one site or distributed across multiple sites that areinterconnected by a communication network. While portions of theprograms illustrated in the various figures may be shown as individualmodules that implement the various features and functionality throughvarious objects, methods, or processes, the programs can instead includea number of sub-modules, third-party services, components, andlibraries. Conversely, the features and functionality of variouscomponents can be combined into single components as appropriate.Thresholds used to make computational determinations can be statically,dynamically, or both statically and dynamically determined.

The methods, processes, or logic flows described in this specificationcan be performed by one or more programmable computers executing one ormore computer programs to perform functions by operating on input dataand generating output. The methods, processes, or logic flows can alsobe performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, specialpurpose logic circuitry, for example, a CPU, an FPGA, or an ASIC.

Computers suitable for the execution of a computer program can be basedon one or more of general and special purpose microprocessors and otherkinds of CPUs. The elements of a computer are a CPU for performing orexecuting instructions and one or more memory devices for storinginstructions and data. Generally, a CPU can receive instructions anddata from (and write data to) a memory. A computer can also include, orbe operatively coupled to, one or more mass storage devices for storingdata. In some implementations, a computer can receive data from, andtransfer data to, the mass storage devices including, for example,magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Moreover, a computercan be embedded in another device, for example, a mobile telephone, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a gameconsole, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, or a portablestorage device such as a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive.

Computer-readable media (transitory or non-transitory, as appropriate)suitable for storing computer program instructions and data can includeall forms of permanent/non-permanent and volatile/non-volatile memory,media, and memory devices. Computer-readable media can include, forexample, semiconductor memory devices such as random access memory(RAM), read-only memory (ROM), phase change memory (PRAM), static randomaccess memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), and flash memory devices.Computer-readable media can also include, for example, magnetic devicessuch as tape, cartridges, cassettes, and internal/removable disks.Computer-readable media can also include magneto-optical disks andoptical memory devices and technologies including, for example, digitalvideo disc (DVD), CD-ROM, DVD+/−R, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, HD-DVD, andBlu-ray. The memory can store various objects or data, including caches,classes, frameworks, applications, modules, backup data, jobs, webpages, web page templates, data structures, database tables,repositories, and dynamic information. Types of objects and data storedin memory can include parameters, variables, algorithms, instructions,rules, constraints, and references. Additionally, the memory can includelogs, policies, security or access data, and reporting files. Theprocessor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in,special purpose logic circuitry.

Implementations of the subject matter described in the presentdisclosure can be implemented on a computer having a display device forproviding interaction with a user, including displaying information to(and receiving input from) the user. Types of display devices caninclude, for example, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display(LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED), and a plasma monitor. Displaydevices can include a keyboard and pointing devices including, forexample, a mouse, a trackball, or a trackpad. User input can also beprovided to the computer through the use of a touchscreen, such as atablet computer surface with pressure sensitivity or a multi-touchscreen using capacitive or electric sensing. Other kinds of devices canbe used to provide for interaction with a user, including to receiveuser feedback including, for example, sensory feedback including visualfeedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback. Input from the usercan be received in the form of acoustic, speech, or tactile input. Inaddition, a computer can interact with a user by sending documents to,and receiving documents from, a device that is used by the user. Forexample, the computer can send web pages to a web browser on a user'sclient device in response to requests received from the web browser.

The term “graphical user interface,” or “GUI,” can be used in thesingular or the plural to describe one or more graphical user interfacesand each of the displays of a particular graphical user interface.Therefore, a GUI can represent any graphical user interface, including,but not limited to, a web browser, a touch screen, or a command lineinterface (CLI) that processes information and efficiently presents theinformation results to the user. In general, a GUI can include aplurality of user interface (UI) elements, some or all associated with aweb browser, such as interactive fields, pull-down lists, and buttons.These and other UI elements can be related to or represent the functionsof the web browser.

Implementations of the subject matter described in this specificationcan be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-endcomponent, for example, as a data server, or that includes a middlewarecomponent, for example, an application server. Moreover, the computingsystem can include a front-end component, for example, a client computerhaving one or both of a graphical user interface or a Web browserthrough which a user can interact with the computer. The components ofthe system can be interconnected by any form or medium of wireline orwireless digital data communication (or a combination of datacommunication) in a communication network. Examples of communicationnetworks include a local area network (LAN), a radio access network(RAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN),Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), a wirelesslocal area network (WLAN) (for example, using 802.11 a/b/g/n or 802.20or a combination of protocols), all or a portion of the Internet, or anyother communication system or systems at one or more locations (or acombination of communication networks). The network can communicatewith, for example, Internet Protocol (IP) packets, frame relay frames,asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cells, voice, video, data, or acombination of communication types between network addresses.

Wireless connections within the scope of the present disclosure includewireless protocols, such as, 802.15 protocols (e.g., a BLUETOOTH®),802.11 protocols, 802.20 protocols (e.g., WI-FI®), or a combination ofdifferent wireless protocols.

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client andserver can generally be remote from each other and can typicallyinteract through a communication network. The relationship of client andserver can arise by virtue of computer programs running on therespective computers and having a client-server relationship.

Cluster file systems can be any file system type accessible frommultiple servers for read and update. Locking or consistency trackingmay not be necessary since the locking of exchange file system can bedone at application layer. Furthermore, Unicode data files can bedifferent from non-Unicode data files.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may beclaimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific toparticular implementations. Certain features that are described in thisspecification in the context of separate implementations can also beimplemented, in combination, in a single implementation. Conversely,various features that are described in the context of a singleimplementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations,separately, or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, althoughpreviously described features may be described as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Particular implementations of the subject matter have been described.Other implementations, alterations, and permutations of the describedimplementations are within the scope of the following claims as will beapparent to those skilled in the art. While operations are depicted inthe drawings or claims in a particular order, this should not beunderstood as requiring that such operations be performed in theparticular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustratedoperations be performed (some operations may be considered optional), toachieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking orparallel processing (or a combination of multitasking and parallelprocessing) may be advantageous and performed as deemed appropriate.

Moreover, the separation or integration of various system modules andcomponents in the previously described implementations should not beunderstood as requiring such separation or integration in allimplementations, and it should be understood that the described programcomponents and systems can generally be integrated together in a singlesoftware product or packaged into multiple software products.

Accordingly, the previously described example implementations do notdefine or constrain the present disclosure. Other changes,substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, any claimed implementation is considered to be applicableto at least a computer-implemented method; a non-transitory,computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions toperform the computer-implemented method; and a computer systemcomprising a computer memory interoperably coupled with a hardwareprocessor configured to perform the computer-implemented method or theinstructions stored on the non-transitory, computer-readable medium.

Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application ofthe claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more of theexample implementations disclosed herein is providing illumination toone or more portions of a draper header or another area during nighttimeagricultural operations or agricultural operations occurring during lowambient light levels. Another technical effect of one or more of theexample implementations disclosed herein is to improve situationalawareness and safety of nighttime agricultural operations oragricultural operations occurring during low ambient light levels.

While the above describes example implementations of the presentdisclosure, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense.Rather, other variations and modifications may be made without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined in theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An illumination system comprising: a light sourcethat produces light; and a header reel comprising a reel finger, thereel finger comprising an aperture through which the produced light isemitted.
 2. The illumination system of claim 1, wherein the reel fingerdefines a cavity therethrough.
 3. The illumination system of claim 2,wherein the light source is disposed within the cavity.
 4. Theillumination system of claim 2, wherein the produced light istransmitted through the cavity.
 5. The illumination system of claim 2,wherein the reel finger comprises a light pipe extending through thecavity to transmit the produced light to the aperture.
 6. Theillumination system of claim 1, wherein the reel finger comprises aplurality of reel fingers and wherein the light source comprises aplurality of light sources.
 7. The illumination system of claim 6,wherein one of the plurality of light sources is disposed within each ofthe plurality of reel fingers.
 8. The illumination system of claim 1,wherein the produced light by the light sources is produced in one of apattern, a selected color, or frequency based on a received input. 9.The illumination system of claim 8, wherein the received input comprisesa detected error and wherein the light source produces a colorcorresponding to the detected error when the detected error is received.10. The illumination system of claim 1, wherein the header reelcomprises a bat tube and wherein the reel finger comprises a pluralityof reel fingers coupled to the bat tube.
 11. The illumination system ofclaim 10, wherein the light source transmits light into the bat tubethat is distributed to each of the reel fingers and out of the apertureof each of the reel fingers.
 12. The illumination system of claim 10,wherein the light source is disposed in the bat tube.
 13. Theillumination system of claim 10, further comprising a header comprising:a frame; the header reel; and a reel arm that couples the header reel tothe frame, the header reel rotatable relative to the arm, and whereinthe light source is disposed in the bat tube and is transmitted to thereel finger via the bat tube.
 14. The illumination system of claim 13,wherein the light is transmitted to the reel finger via an opticalcomponent disposed in the reel arm.
 15. The illumination system of claim13, wherein the optical component is one of an optical fiber and a lightpipe.
 16. A method of providing illumination from a header reel, themethod comprising: generating light with a light source; and emittingthe generated light from an aperture formed in a reel finger of a headerreel.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the light source is locatedremote from the reel finger.
 18. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising transmitting the generated light across a connection in whicha first component rotates relative to a second component.
 19. The methodof claim 16, further comprising transmitting the generated light throughan optical component formed in a cavity defined by the reel finger. 20.A reel finger for a header reel, the reel finger comprising: anelongated portion defining a cavity; a mount portion formed at the endof the elongated portion, the mount portion configured to couple thereel finger to a portion of a header reel; a cavity formed in theelongated portion; and one of an optical component and a light sourcedisposed at least partially in the cavity.